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Change File Sharing Encryption Level in Windows 10

Windows 10 allows the user to share his locally connected printers and stored files with other users over the network. Shared files can be accessible for reading and writing to others. Shared printers can be used for printing on the remote computer. Windows uses 128-bit encryption to help protect file sharing connections by default. Some devices do not support 128-bit encryption and must use 40- or 56-bit encryption. Here is how to switch between file sharing encryption levels in Windows 10.

By default, Windows 10 allows file and printer sharing only over a private (home) network. It is disabled when your network type is set to Public.

When you are signing in to your account and the first time your network is operational, Windows 10 asks you which kind of network you are connecting to: Home or Public. In a sidebar prompt, you are asked whether you want to find PCs, devices and content on the network that you just connected to.

If you pick Yes, the OS will configure it as a private network and turn on network discovery. For a Public network, discovery and access will be limited. If you need to access your computer from a remote PC or browse the PCs and devices on your local network, you need to set it to Home (Private). For these network discovery and sharing features to work properly, file and printer sharing must be turned on.

Under File sharing connections, enable the appropriate option, Use 128-bit encryption to help protect file sharing connections or Enable file sharing for devices that use 40- or 56-bit encryption, according to what you want.

On the right, modify or create a new 32-Bit DWORD value NtlmMinClientSec. Note: Even if you are running 64-bit Windows you must still create a 32-bit DWORD value. Set its value to 0 for 40- or 56-bit encryption. Set is value to 536870912 in decimal for 128-bit encryption.

About Sergey Tkachenko

Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer from Russia who started Winaero back in 2011. On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.